Journey of a Donation: Then and Now
As we celebrate the 14th anniversary of Free The Girls, we want to reflect on the incredible journey we've taken together, fueled by your generous support. Our mission to empower survivors of sex trafficking to lead a life of true freedom has been greatly advanced through your contributions to what we have playfully called “bras and bucks”. Today, we want to take you on a special journey—the path your donations have taken and the profound impact they've made.
Then: A Foundation Built on Bras
In 2010 when we launched Free The Girls, the foundation of our model was bra donations—a tangible means for survivors to start their own businesses selling the bras collected from bra drawers, lingerie shops, and apparel companies around the world. We knew then that the bra-selling model was merely the “first step” toward sustainable economic empowerment for sex trafficking survivors. It answered the immediate question of “What’s Next?” for women who had exited exploitation. Your contributions provided not just support but empowerment, helping hundreds of women step into roles of independence and economic stability. Thanks to your overwhelming generosity over the years, we're proud to share that we currently hold a three-year inventory of bras ready for distribution to our partners worldwide.
The Transition: Adapting to New Needs
Your bra donations (over 2 million bras in fact!) have allowed us to dig deeper with our program partners and adapt to the individual and collective needs of survivors. As detailed in a previous blog post, our focus has broadened to include exploring alternative economic opportunities in areas where bra-selling is not possible or is no longer lucrative, as well as expanding our other robust reintegration services. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to supporting survivors, and your support enables us to respond to their changing needs.
Now: The New Life of Your Financial Contributions
Today, your financial donations are more crucial than ever as we continue to answer, “what’s next?” for survivors and FTG. With the logistical shift from collecting bras to efficiently distributing our existing inventory, financial contributions are an essential investment. The costs previously associated with shipping donations now enhance our storage capabilities, ensuring that bras are available and can be shipped directly to our partners as needed.
How You Can Still Make an Impact
This shift in funding from shipping to direct support enhances our efficiency and increases your impact, ensuring that every dollar you donate is maximized. Imagine redirecting that typical shipping expense towards empowering survivors. A donation of $50, the average cost to ship a box of bras, now not only contributes directly to storing and distributing these bras efficiently--it also helps fund a holistic support system that includes micro-enterprise classes, job skills training, financial coaching, women’s health courses, counseling, education reimbursement, access to healthcare and social services, and more.
“The $50 that once covered shipping costs can now ensure bras are stored safely and ready to be distributed to survivor owned businesses in El Salvador and Costa Rica, without delay. More so, this $50 now simultaneously supports the holistic development of survivors, helping them forge new paths in life with the necessary tools and training.”
Join Us in Sustaining Freedom
As we look to the future, your continued support is essential. Every dollar you donate helps us maintain this delicate balance of supply and empowerment. Your contributions ensure we remain ready and responsive to the needs of survivors, helping them build new lives on their own terms.
As we celebrate 14 years of impact, let's continue to forge a path toward freedom and empowerment. Donate today and be a part of this life-changing journey. Together, we can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.
